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Supreme Court to rule on limits on access to government information

Ottawa – On Thursday, June 17, 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its decision in Ministry of Public Safety and Security (Formerly Solicitor General), et al. v. Criminal Lawyers’ Association, a case concerning the right of the public to access government information.

The case is a constitutional challenge to Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Ontario’s access to information legislation gives the government an absolute right to withhold government information by saying its release would compromise law enforcement activities or solicitor-client information, even when there is a compelling public interest in disclosure.

The BCCLA was an intervener in the case and argued that portions of Ontario’s access to information legislation infringe the Charter right to freedom of expression, which includes a right to an open and transparent government. The BCCLA takes the position that where a compelling public interest in the disclosure of government information exists, the public interest must prevail. The BCCLA was represented by Cathy Beagan Flood and Iris Fischer of the firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. The argument the BCCLA filed in the case is available at here.

What: BCCLA comment on Supreme Court of Canada decision on access to information

When: Decision released Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 9:45 (EST). Comment available before and after decision.

Where: The decision will be made available on the Supreme Court of Canada’s website after 9:45 a.m.(EST): http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/

Who: Cathy Beagan Flood, counsel for the BCCLA, and Grace Pastine, Litigation Director of the BCCLA, will be available for comment at the numbers below.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Cathy Beagan Flood, Counsel for the BCCLA: [email protected] or 416-863-2269
Grace Pastine, BCCLA Litigation Director: [email protected] or 778-241-7183

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